Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the anionic polymerization of lactams, in which:
(a) (i) a catalyst capable of creating a lactamate and (ii) a regulator chosen from the amides of formula R1—NH—CO—R2, in which R1 can be substituted with a radical R3—CO—NH— or R3—0— and in which R1, R2 and R3 denote an aryl, alkyl or cycloalkyl radical, are dissolved in the molten lactam; the temperature of this reaction mixture being between the melting point of the lactam and 15° C. higher in order to ensure its good stability,
(b) the solution from step (a) is introduced into a mixing device and is then heated to a temperature which is sufficient to obtain bulk polymerization of the lactam in no more than 15 minutes.
(b) is usually a continuous reactor, for example an extruder; however, it can be replaced with a mold.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 29, 2002
Date of Patent:
March 30, 2004
Assignee:
Atofina
Inventors:
Heike Faulhammer, Michel Biensan, Franck Victorien, Thierry Vivier